Cabotage · Equivalence

Shipping companies need several documents and certificates for the operation of their sea-going vessels. The required certificates for ships on international voyages are stipulated in international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC and others).

Up until the end of 2024, shipping companies with ships under foreign flag operating within German maritime waters from German ports require under certain conditions a Cabotage Approval and a Certificate of Equivalence. The application procedures and purpose of these two documents is different. Both requirements are canceled with amendments in the fundamental legal instruments. Details regarding the changes in requirements can be found in the text on the pages "Cabotage" and "Equivalence".